A Guide To Using Wood As A Fuel

As more and more people are starting to use wood as a fuel source for heating, whether for the whole house or for an individual room, we have put together this brief guide to help you to recognise the different types of wood and understand their burning properties.

Only ever use dried, fully seasoned chopped wood logs. Ideally wood should be seasoned outdoors for between 18 to 24 months, the harder the wood then the longer the seasoning.

Prior to seasoning, the wood should be cut to the right length for your stove or furnace, usually a few inches shorter than the width of the firebox. For safety, this should be done using a good quality saw horse that holds the logs securely so they can be cut with a chainsaw. If you are using large diameter logs, you should then split the wood to the proper size. Splitting the wood before seasoning will considerably shorten the time takon to season the wood. Using an electric log splitter will take all of the effort out of this stage.

To season your wood, it should be stacked off the ground with plenty of space between the logs to allow air movement and with the top covered to keep rain and snow out. It is said that seasoned woods will give you approximately 50% more heat output than the equivalent unseasoned log.

ARROWS CORPORATION LIMITED is
based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, North East England. Supplier of
Petrol, Electric, Hydraulic and Manual Log Splitters, Log Holders and Sawhorse, including the Forest Master Duocut and the SMART range and also log racks. We also stock the Zero Barrow self levelling wheelbarrow and water barrow plus accessories. In addition we are sole suppliers of the Pet World range of specially designed hatchback car dog crates that are designed to fit individual makes and models of cars.